I have hit the 5 mile mark and I am struggling. I had a rough week running. It probably did not help that it was literally 750 degrees in Nashville this week, and no matter what time I ran, I felt like the earth was melting beneath my feet...
So I read this article in People this week (and unfortunately I can't link to it online) about the New York City Cancer center hosting a "Prom" full with DJ's, ice cream and fun for the kids at the cancer center. The photos were AMAZING...to see these kids who are struggling with cancer smiling and dancing was inspirational...it was an encouragement for me to keep at it. My heart ached for these kids...it was nice to see them having a great time...
So I have to run 5 miles on Monday, Wed & Fri this week...and Saturday is the luminous 6 mile mark!! Wish me luck!
And hey...if you feel like donating financially to my race...you can here : http://www.active.com/donate/tnttn/leighholt
I have a long way to go physically and financially to meet this goal! UGH!!
:)
Leigh
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Friday, June 16, 2006
All Dogs Go To Heaven
Today was a long day...I woke up with a start at 6:15 am by hearing the phone ringing, and on the other end was my Dad. I knew something was wrong immediatly...him and my mom are taking care of 2 of our 4 dogs (the girl dogs...the 2 boys are at the "farm" (ie outdoor kennel) ) while we go to Chicago for a summer getaway...
Anyway, he shared the news that our sweet, sweet dog Molly left us during the night to go to Heaven. It sucks to be quite honest, she was a good girl. Molly has been on and off sick all year, but still this felt sudden...when we dropped her off she seemed healthy, and ok...so it was a sad day. And I really just wanted to see her 1 more time...it was hard that she was not at home, but I realize that was a blessing as well.
For those of you who don't know, Molly was a leader dog for the blind who lived with my grandmother (Nana) for 11 years until she passed away; my Nana left Molly to Tim and I to take care of. So she has a special place in our entire family's heart, as she stood by Nana's side for years and offered unconditional love and communication to a woman who could barely communicate or get around. And Molly was patient and kind, and completely "selfless".
That might be an odd word to describe a dog, but Molly was the most un-selfish dog on the planet (esp. compared to my others!!)...she really never begged for attention (only some food sometimes) and she kept to herself--but she always kept an eye on Nana...and then me! It was so odd to me when we 1st brought Molly home that she never really let me out of her sight--she would be across the room, but she would always be near, ready to help, or come if I called. I was never out of her sight. She was an amazing dog.
As I was running on Wednesday night, I prayed that God would teach me to be selfless; and now I realize that he had a wonderful example of selflessness right at my feet for the past 2 years. I hope that I can be like Molly someday...quiet, patient, always keeping an eye out for the people I love, and kind-hearted.
I truly believe that Molly is up in Heaven right now, hanging out with my Nana, and they are keeping each other company.
Man she was a good girl, and I am going to miss her.
Anyway, he shared the news that our sweet, sweet dog Molly left us during the night to go to Heaven. It sucks to be quite honest, she was a good girl. Molly has been on and off sick all year, but still this felt sudden...when we dropped her off she seemed healthy, and ok...so it was a sad day. And I really just wanted to see her 1 more time...it was hard that she was not at home, but I realize that was a blessing as well.
For those of you who don't know, Molly was a leader dog for the blind who lived with my grandmother (Nana) for 11 years until she passed away; my Nana left Molly to Tim and I to take care of. So she has a special place in our entire family's heart, as she stood by Nana's side for years and offered unconditional love and communication to a woman who could barely communicate or get around. And Molly was patient and kind, and completely "selfless".
That might be an odd word to describe a dog, but Molly was the most un-selfish dog on the planet (esp. compared to my others!!)...she really never begged for attention (only some food sometimes) and she kept to herself--but she always kept an eye on Nana...and then me! It was so odd to me when we 1st brought Molly home that she never really let me out of her sight--she would be across the room, but she would always be near, ready to help, or come if I called. I was never out of her sight. She was an amazing dog.
As I was running on Wednesday night, I prayed that God would teach me to be selfless; and now I realize that he had a wonderful example of selflessness right at my feet for the past 2 years. I hope that I can be like Molly someday...quiet, patient, always keeping an eye out for the people I love, and kind-hearted.
I truly believe that Molly is up in Heaven right now, hanging out with my Nana, and they are keeping each other company.
Man she was a good girl, and I am going to miss her.
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Yesterday Tim and I went to Lexington, KY, where I went to grad school, for our friends wedding. It was a blast...but I never knew how hilly Lexington was!!!
When I lived there, I worked out pretty regularly, but at the time I was working for the athletic department, so I had use of all of their facilities...so I rarely ran outside...so last night we scouted a 3 mile course...and I was freaked out!
People say Nashville is hilly...not so much compared to KY!!
So I basically ran downhill for the 1st mile, then straight uphil the next 1/2 mile...then turned around...yep, the last mile was on a slope...I thought I was gonna die.
Add that to the time change...Nashville in in Central, Lexington in EST...so we were meeting people for breakfast, so I gt up at 5:45 am (on a freakin Saturday) to go uphill.
Well last thing, my body is SORE!
Well despite all of this, I am proud of myself...this is a much bigger time cmmitment then I thought, but so far so good!
and I got new shoes! See below!!
I love them...my mom and dad got them for me! They are great!!
When I lived there, I worked out pretty regularly, but at the time I was working for the athletic department, so I had use of all of their facilities...so I rarely ran outside...so last night we scouted a 3 mile course...and I was freaked out!
People say Nashville is hilly...not so much compared to KY!!
So I basically ran downhill for the 1st mile, then straight uphil the next 1/2 mile...then turned around...yep, the last mile was on a slope...I thought I was gonna die.
Add that to the time change...Nashville in in Central, Lexington in EST...so we were meeting people for breakfast, so I gt up at 5:45 am (on a freakin Saturday) to go uphill.
Well last thing, my body is SORE!
Well despite all of this, I am proud of myself...this is a much bigger time cmmitment then I thought, but so far so good!
and I got new shoes! See below!!
I love them...my mom and dad got them for me! They are great!!
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Is it too soon to call me a Runner?
Is it too soon to classify myself as a Runner?
There is something about being called a "runner" that I always admired...I think it is because I have always had this fear that I could not be a runner, that I was not capable...but last night I ran 3 miles and walked 2...it was a great feeling of accomplishment!! Matbe when I run 6 miles, I will call myself a runner...for a long time that has been my goal to be able to do that...so I will let you know when I hit that milestone!!
Anyway, I am running with these 2 cool girls, Suzanne and Suzie, and they are awesome. It is a very pressure-less environment, we are not trying to win any world records, we are just trying to finish together. That is a really nice feeling for my Type A personality...I vowed that I would not make this a competition, as I do with most things in my life...so it is nice to be running with 2 like minded girls and can chat and get to know them. And honestly, without the accountability, I would have run probably a mile last night, because I was so not in the mood!!
We had a cool conversation about redemption last night...about being in the desert and waiting for the Lord...it was refreshing to hear their stories and know that we all go through trials, and we are not isolated when things are tough...and the redemption story that Jesus always redeems us...even more then we realize.
Well I need to get to work...thanks for those of you who have chosen to support my race financially, that has been a huge blessing, and a huge surprise to see how many of you who gave. if you feel like the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society is one that you want to support, you can give by clicking this link:
http://www.active.com/donate/tnttn/leighholt
If you would rather mail a donation, message me and I willl give you my address.
I pray that you see God's redemption story in your life today...
Leigh
PS: 7 days until I see Madonna in Chi-town!!!!
There is something about being called a "runner" that I always admired...I think it is because I have always had this fear that I could not be a runner, that I was not capable...but last night I ran 3 miles and walked 2...it was a great feeling of accomplishment!! Matbe when I run 6 miles, I will call myself a runner...for a long time that has been my goal to be able to do that...so I will let you know when I hit that milestone!!
Anyway, I am running with these 2 cool girls, Suzanne and Suzie, and they are awesome. It is a very pressure-less environment, we are not trying to win any world records, we are just trying to finish together. That is a really nice feeling for my Type A personality...I vowed that I would not make this a competition, as I do with most things in my life...so it is nice to be running with 2 like minded girls and can chat and get to know them. And honestly, without the accountability, I would have run probably a mile last night, because I was so not in the mood!!
We had a cool conversation about redemption last night...about being in the desert and waiting for the Lord...it was refreshing to hear their stories and know that we all go through trials, and we are not isolated when things are tough...and the redemption story that Jesus always redeems us...even more then we realize.
Well I need to get to work...thanks for those of you who have chosen to support my race financially, that has been a huge blessing, and a huge surprise to see how many of you who gave. if you feel like the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society is one that you want to support, you can give by clicking this link:
http://www.active.com/donate/tnttn/leighholt
If you would rather mail a donation, message me and I willl give you my address.
I pray that you see God's redemption story in your life today...
Leigh
PS: 7 days until I see Madonna in Chi-town!!!!
Monday, June 05, 2006
Taking the Plunge...officially
Tomorrow I am taking the plunge...and I feel crazy, scared, afraid...and excited. Two weeks ago I signed up with Team In Training to run a Marathon and raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society...yes that is the 26.2 mile marathon kind...and yes I have to raise $4,000 to help in the effort to find a cure for cancer. The marathon is on January 14th in Arizona.
What motivated me to do this? (Tonight I am in a paralyzed state of fear, so I am even second guessing my own motivations!!)
Ok...my motivations...for those of you who know me, I am a total over-achiever, perfectionist, passionate person...and those qualities extend to my job and my husband and my dogs...but then it stops. I have been going through a series of crisis where I have realized that I am not doing anything beyond my little happy home to make a heck of a lot of difference in this world; I am selfish with my time, with my heart, with my giving, with everything...I live in a solar system that orbits around a white middle class upbringing that craves comfort over challenge, and craves stability over risk. I am 31 years old, and I feel like my days and nights are passing by and I am not "giving" back to anyone; and certainly not making a difference!!
So last September, I went through a period where God began to plant seeds of empowerment in me...it has been this unfolding of layers of fear and insecurity, where he has gently been urging me to use my gifts/talents for others, not for my sake; and he has reminded me (almost daily!!) that I am empowered to make a difference; that He has equipped me; that I just need to trust Him (imagine that) and He will take me on this journey. I have also learned from so many around me that we have a responsibility to make change and to make a difference where we can...
I can blame a lot of this on a movie called the Constant Gardener, which I highly recommend to others...
Why the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society? On February 1, 1999, my college roommate, Kelly Walsh Goebler, died suddenly of sudden onset Leukemia...also known as Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (A.L.L)...she decided to skip a Superbowl Party with her husband Jerry (they were married for 3 months), and he came home to her vomiting and rushed her to the hospital; it was too late, as the Leukemia had overtaken her and she passed early in the afternoon on the 1st. To this day, that was the worst time of my life; I want to give so others do not go through the same pain Kelly's family and our friends experienced.
Anyway...so tomorrow I am off, and start my training. I am freakin' scared to death of Failure!!!!!!!! I tried to get Tim to give me permission to quit already! I am so afraid that I will not be able to complete the run, or raise enough money...but I am going to take it day by day. I have to cross train tomorrow, run 2 miles on Friday, and 2 more on Saturday...and on Sunday I get to REST! Glorious REST!! :)
I would love it if you would help me through kind words, prayers and encouragement...that would be great...
Or you could donate? And help find a cure for cancer? Maybe you can donate $1 per mile, so $26 dollars? You can actually donate online...here is my website...
http://www.active.com/donate/tnttn/leighholt
So that's my story, I am taking the plunge!!
Know any good running shoes? I am starting with some pretty cool addidas...
What motivated me to do this? (Tonight I am in a paralyzed state of fear, so I am even second guessing my own motivations!!)
Ok...my motivations...for those of you who know me, I am a total over-achiever, perfectionist, passionate person...and those qualities extend to my job and my husband and my dogs...but then it stops. I have been going through a series of crisis where I have realized that I am not doing anything beyond my little happy home to make a heck of a lot of difference in this world; I am selfish with my time, with my heart, with my giving, with everything...I live in a solar system that orbits around a white middle class upbringing that craves comfort over challenge, and craves stability over risk. I am 31 years old, and I feel like my days and nights are passing by and I am not "giving" back to anyone; and certainly not making a difference!!
So last September, I went through a period where God began to plant seeds of empowerment in me...it has been this unfolding of layers of fear and insecurity, where he has gently been urging me to use my gifts/talents for others, not for my sake; and he has reminded me (almost daily!!) that I am empowered to make a difference; that He has equipped me; that I just need to trust Him (imagine that) and He will take me on this journey. I have also learned from so many around me that we have a responsibility to make change and to make a difference where we can...
I can blame a lot of this on a movie called the Constant Gardener, which I highly recommend to others...
Why the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society? On February 1, 1999, my college roommate, Kelly Walsh Goebler, died suddenly of sudden onset Leukemia...also known as Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (A.L.L)...she decided to skip a Superbowl Party with her husband Jerry (they were married for 3 months), and he came home to her vomiting and rushed her to the hospital; it was too late, as the Leukemia had overtaken her and she passed early in the afternoon on the 1st. To this day, that was the worst time of my life; I want to give so others do not go through the same pain Kelly's family and our friends experienced.
Anyway...so tomorrow I am off, and start my training. I am freakin' scared to death of Failure!!!!!!!! I tried to get Tim to give me permission to quit already! I am so afraid that I will not be able to complete the run, or raise enough money...but I am going to take it day by day. I have to cross train tomorrow, run 2 miles on Friday, and 2 more on Saturday...and on Sunday I get to REST! Glorious REST!! :)
I would love it if you would help me through kind words, prayers and encouragement...that would be great...
Or you could donate? And help find a cure for cancer? Maybe you can donate $1 per mile, so $26 dollars? You can actually donate online...here is my website...
http://www.active.com/donate/tnttn/leighholt
So that's my story, I am taking the plunge!!
Know any good running shoes? I am starting with some pretty cool addidas...
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